Get ready for an awesome new series scheduled to hit bookstores in 2019. We’ve just confirmed that Simon Gervais, author of the fan-favorite Mike Walton thrillers, has signed a two-book deal with Amazon publishing imprint, Thomas & Mercer.

Gervais’ first book as part of his new deal is titled Hunt Them Down and will serve as the first thriller in a new franchise, introducing readers to ex-DEA agent Pierce Hunt. While it won’t come out in until February of 2019, we’ve got an early look at the plot details, and they have a very Taken meets Man on Fire feel which, let’s be honest, would be really awesome.

Hunt Them Down

“Disavowed DEA agent Pierce Hunt’s thirteen-year-old daughter is kidnapped while at a sleepover at her friend’s house —the residence of Tony Garcia, the head of Miami’s most violent criminal organization. If Garcia’s head isn’t delivered to them in 48 hours, the abductors will burn the two teenagers alive on social media. To save both girls, Pierce Hunt will embark on a path of vengeance and redemption. But with the walls closing in on him, and the minutes ticking away, Hunt’s only chance is to become the man he’d swear he’d never be again.”

In an exclusive statement, Gervais told The Real Book Spy, “I’m thrilled and excited beyond words to join the Thomas & Mercer family.”

“The word at the 2017 ThrillerFest was that signing a book deal with Thomas & Mercer is the new Holy Grail for a thriller writer. Not a single publisher can move units like Thomas & Mercer do.”

It’s certainly no secret that Amazon has signed plenty of first-rate authors to their successful mystery and thriller imprint. Gervais now joins a deep roster of talent that includes Barry Eisler, Marcus Sakey, Andrews & Wilson, Brian Freeman, and Robert Dugoni, all of who already call Thomas & Mercer their publishing home.

The unique advantage, obviously, is that Amazon is able to promote their own authors in ways that are very different from the traditional publishing norm. For that reason, more and more writers have been open to joining the still relatively new imprint, which was first launched by Amazon in 2011.

“Thomas & Mercer has developed and continues to develop methods to promote its titles that can’t be matched by any other publishers,” continued Gervais. “I’m delighted that my new series will be able to reach a wide audience; the story and the characters I’ve created definitely deserve it!”

Gervais’ new deal with Liz Pearsons at Thomas & Mercer, also includes a planned sequel, though no initial publication date for that novel has been announced. Gervais is repped by Eric Myers at Myers Literary Management.